School Board Member Solana Henneberry Dies

ALAMEDA, CA — Alameda Unified School District and the Board of Education are deeply saddened to announce that Board Member Solana Henneberry died early this morning after battling serious illness for more than a year.

Ms. Henneberry, 44, taught special education in West Contra Costa Unified School District and specialized in assistive technology. She was elected to AUSD’s Board of Education in 2014 and served as its president in 2016. She was devoted to public education and especially committed to supporting early childhood education and children with special needs. She served as co-chair of the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth, and their Families and as an active representative on the Measure B1 campaign committee last fall.

“Board Member Henneberry was stalwart in her fight against this illness,” said Superintendent Sean McPhetridge. “As president, she did not miss a single Board of Education meeting, even when she was undergoing treatment. Her commitment and leadership were truly inspiring. We will remember her as someone who dedicated her life to public education, her community, and her family. Our thoughts are with her friends and family now as we all grapple with this great loss to the Alameda community.”

Ms. Henneberry is survived by her husband Mike, daughter Emma, and two sons Eamon and Finbar. A memorial service will be held at a time and location to be determined. A donation account will be set up for the family in the days ahead, and AUSD will share that information as it becomes available.

-Announcement and photo from AUSD